Cruise Cotterill
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Cruise News
  • Blog
  • Shop

HARRY'S BLOG

Sapphire Princess Drawing Sets Sail

31/1/2011

2 Comments

 
Picture
Sapphire Princess cruising into Los Angeles
Today, Monday 31st January 2011, our drawing of Sapphire Princess, has begun her journey across the Atlantic Ocean to California.

The drawing is set to be taken aboard the vessel itself later this year in late February 2011, where it will then be presented to the Captain.

Nancy Speltz, is a keen follower of Dream Designs Colchester and has so very kindly agreed to take our drawing aboard the vessel on our behalf, during her Hawaiian round trip cruise.

Last November, Nancy kindly took another of our drawings, of Grand Princess aboard the vessel and presented it to the Captain on our behalf, during her cruise. The Captain was most impressed with our drawing and even displayed it aboard for guests to enjoy.

Nancy said "It is my honour and pleasure to do this for Dream Designs Colchester."

She added "I had the great pleasure of receiving a drawing of the Grand Princess done by Harry. I presented it to the captain while on board in November 2010. It was the highlight of my cruise. Wonderful drawing, just wonderful. The captain was very impressed with it!"
Picture
Our drawing of Sapphire Princess
To view more photos of our drawing of Sapphire Princess, please visit the following link below.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/sapphire-princess.html

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said " It’s really wonderful that Nancy has so willingly agreed to help us out again! I’m sure she will have an excellent time aboard Sapphire Princess."

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

07778940245

[email protected]

ENDS
2 Comments

The Majestic Line, Acknowledges Our Drawing

29/1/2011

2 Comments

 
Picture
The Majestic Line's Glen Massan
Late last year, Dream Designs Colchester especially assigned a drawing of The Majestic Line’s Glen Massan. The drawing was was later sent to Marie Thoms, Sales Manager, The Majestic Line, earlier this month.

Marie Thoms said "I wanted to write to say how lovely it was to receive your letter, newspaper clippings and fantastic drawing of the Glen Massan! "

She added "It is really great to see how enthusiastic and dedicated you are with your career and I wish you every success with your future."

In 2004 Andrew Thoms and Kenneth Grant bought and converted their first vessel, the Glen Massan, to a mini cruise liner, sailing out of Holy Loch, near Dunoon to cruise the wonderful sheltered lochs and islands of the surrounding area.

In May 2007 the Glen Massan was joined by a sister vessel, The Glen Tarsan which was launched by 94-year-old Oonagh Smith, Andrew Thoms aunt, who comes from a family with a strong seafaring pedigree. The Glen Tarsan now reguarly sails out of Oban, exploring Mull and Islay.
Picture
The staff of The Majestic Line aboard ship
Andrew Thoms, Partner, The Majestic Line, said "My daughter Marie sent me your cardboard tube containing your letter, various press cuttings and your lovely drawing of our MV Glen Massan."

He added " You obviously have a keen interest in boats and ships and a determination to become a Naval Architect."

Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of The Majestic Line's Glen Massan
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It was delightful to receive such a positive and friendly response from The Majestic Line."

He added " I hope that one day in the near future I will have the opportunity to experience the unique cruise experience that The Majestic Line has to offer its guests."

To find out more about The Majestic Line, please visit their website www.themajesticline.co.uk

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

07778940245

[email protected]

ENDS
2 Comments

Our New Logo Design!

28/1/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our new chic logo!
As many of you have most likely noticed, over the past few months Dream Designs Colchester has seen a number of major changes.

Earlier this month we started looking into a suitable design for our new logo. We came up with a number of various designs, but in the end we took the best 3 logo designs and developed them further.

This week we finalized the design and had the logo officially produced and designed for us. The feedback has been extremely positive and many of you have shared your thoughts and comments about the new logo with us.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "The design of our new logo, consists of a blue wave, symbolizing the relationship that Dream Designs Colchester has with the sea. The element of red, shows the ‘artistic flare’ of our work."

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

07778940245

[email protected]

ENDS
0 Comments

The ROL Cruise Show 2011

19/1/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
ROL Cruise Show 2011, East Anglia’s Premier Cruise Exhibition
On Wednesday 19th January 2011, East Anglia’s Premier Cruise Exhibition was hosted by Reader Offers Limited (ROL Cruise) at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester.

Visitors who attended the event received an exclusive £100 Cruise Voucher. They were also able to meet with cruise experts and specialists from many of the world’s leading cruise lines.

The events also featured guest speakers and representatives from each of the cruise lines including, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant and Star Clippers.

ROL Cruise was incorporated in 1995. Their offices in are located in Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town. They have now become one of the largest and fastest growing independent cruise retailers in the United Kingdom.
Picture
Many hundreds of visitors attend the ROL Cruise Show to meet with cruise lines representative and experts
The event proved to be very popular with endless crowds of visitors throughout the day. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester also attended the event for a while, where he met with numerous cruise experts and cruise lines representatives.

He also met with several of the staff from ROL Cruise, including Laura Lamb, Commercial Executive, ROL Cruise. Her son attended the same school as Harry and had told her about our drawings. She recognised Harry and introduced herself to him and his parents who also joined him at the event. Laura was very impressed with his work and has invited him to visit their office sometime in the very near future to meet with Jeremy Dickinson, Managing Director, Reader Offers, who has a passion for artwork.
Picture
Visitors who attended the ROL Cruise Show received an exclusive £100 Cruise Voucher
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It was astounding to see so many people attend the event. It was also wonderful for me personally to meet with the numerous cruise specialists and representatives."
He added, "It was especially delightful to meet Laura too, who had hear about us. Hopefully we will be able to visit ROL Cruise very soon and I do very much hope and look forward to meeting with Jeremy Dickinson, Managing Director, Reader Offers.

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

07778940245

[email protected]
0 Comments

Thanks, But No Thanks!

14/1/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our drawing of the new 124,000 tonne Disney Dream recently launched
In November 2010 we especially commissioned a drawing of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the 124,000 tonne Disney Dream. We contacted Disney Cruise Line in the hope that they would accept our offer of the drawing and may well even have been kind enough to display the drawing on board their newest and most innovative ship.

In early 2011 we received a response from Disney Cruise Line. Unfortunately due to their long established policy, they were unable to accept our drawing. The intention of this policy is to avoid any misunderstanding when projects are being created internally or current being worked on which might be similar to submissions made to Disney Cruise Line from outside their company. For this reason, they were unable to accept our offer to send them our drawing.

However, Disney Cruise Line did acknowledge our accomplishments and wished us all the very best in the future. They also sent us a number of photographs of the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.
Picture
Photographs sent to us by Disney Cruise Line in response to our offer to send them our drawing of Disney Dream
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "Although Disney Cruise Line were unable to accept our offer to send them our drawing of Disney Dream, it was still delightful to receive a response from them."

He added "It was very kind of them to acknowledge our achievements and send us photographs of their other ships, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. Hopefully we will be able to find another suitable home for the drawing"

You can see more photos of our drawing of Disney Dream on the following link

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/disney-dream.html

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

07778940245
[email protected]
0 Comments

Captain of P&O Cruises’ Aurora Receives Drawing

13/1/2011

0 Comments

 
Picture
Towards the end of 2010, our drawing of P&O Cruises’ Aurora was presented on our behalf, kindly by Mr Ernest and Mrs Edna Talyor, to Captain David Pembridge during their Christmas Caribbean cruise aboard the 69,000 tonne vessel.

We contacted P&O Cruises in November, to arrange for the drawing to be officially presented to the Captain. Mr & Mrs Talyor were onboard for 23 nights, during that time, one morning they were invited to visit the bridge and meet the Captain to present our drawing of Aurora. They were also joined on the bridge by their daughter, Marion Wilson who was also onboard for the Christmas Caribbean cruise.

Picture
Captain of P&O Cruises’ Aurora, David Pembridge (right) invites Mr Ernest & Mrs Edna Taylor to the bridge during their Christmas Caribbean cruise, to present aspiring naval architect Harry Cotterill’s drawing of the ship
Mrs Talyor said "It was great to meet the Captain, he was a really down to earth man and he was very impressed with your drawing."
Picture
Left to Right: Captain of P&O Cruises David Pembridge, Mrs Edna Talyor, Mr Ernest Talyor and Marion Wilson on the bridge of Aurora
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It was lovely to see that Captain David Pembridge invited Mr & Mrs Talyor to the bridge and that he also allowed their daughter to join them."

He added, "I was so pleased to hear that the Captain was impressed with our drawing too, the photographs which were presented to us are marvellous!"
For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

[email protected]

07778940245

ENDS
0 Comments

Keeping Trade Moving

10/1/2011

1 Comment

 
Picture
Port of Felixstowe, Trinity Terminal

On Sunday 2nd January 2011, Dream Designs Colchester visited Shotley Gate in Suffolk, which is located across the river from the Port of Felixstowe, one of the busiest container port in the United Kingdom and one of the busiest in Europe.

Over 40% of the trade which is imported and exported through the United Kingdom passes through the Port of Felixstowe.

More than 4,000 ships visit each year, including some of the largest container ships in the world.

Approximately 40 different shipping lines operate from the Port of Felixstowe.

The Port of Felixstowe provides its customers with a continuous quay, stretching over 2.3 kilometres. This huge expanse of dock is equipped with 27 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.




Currently the Port of Felixstowe’s reconfiguration of the southern part of the port is still not completed. The first berth was due to open in April 2010 and the second in September 2010.

However, once completed the new deep-sea container terminal will provide a total of 1285 metres of deep-water quay, supported by some 13 ship-to-shore gantry cranes, capable of operating on the world’s largest container ships. With a dredged depth of 16 metres, it will ensure the ever growing number of larger and larger container ships will be able to visit the Port of Felixstowe.

The new terminal is now expected to be fully operational by 2016.
Picture
Port of Felixstowe South Reconfiguration Project
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Design Colchester, said "The Port of Felixstowe already provides an excellent service to many container shipping lines and is capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels."

He added "With the new Felixstowe South Reconfiguration currently under construction, more and more of these massive container ships will be able to call at the Port of Felixstowe."
Picture
MSC Danit, one of the largest container ships in the world, at 366 metres long, berthed at the Port of Felixstowe's Trinity Terminal
The world’s largest container ship, Emma Maersk, which was launched in 2006 and followed by another 7 sister ships, regularly calls at the Port of Felixstowe. Emma Maersk was due to berth last week, while Dream Designs Colchester visited Shotley Gate.

However, due to the New Year celebrations work commenced for a number of hours, creating a backlog of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Felixstowe, as well as many others ports across the world.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Diane Cotterill visit Shotley Gate in Suffolk, across the river from the Port of Felixstowe, the United Kingdom’s busiest container port
Later this week two of Emma Maersk’s sister ships, Eugen Maersk and Elly Maersk are due to berth at the Port of Felixstowe.

Dream Designs Colchester are currently looking into expanding their services and now provide a service to both ferry operators and container operators too. We recently contacted Stena Line who operate numerous ferry across the world. Their most recent newbuilds the Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica which are the largest ferries in the world, operate on a daily service from Harwich International Port.
Picture
Emma Maersk berthed at the Port of Felixstowe in November 2006 during her maiden call
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It is so wonderful that Dream Designs Colchester is ideally located so close to both the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port, with thousands of ships of all types, shapes and size visiting each year."

"I certainly do hope that during the course of this year we will be able to communicate with a number of ferry and container operators and hopefully visit our first ferry or container vessel in the not to distant future."

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

[email protected]

07778940245

ENDS
1 Comment

2010, A Year of Success

2/1/2011

0 Comments

 
Welcome to a very special blog post, looking back at all the wonderful events which took place during the course of 2010.
2010 was certainly a very successful and productive year for us at Dream Designs Colchester! At the start of the year we made some great progress with our P&O Cruises prototype concept design, Verona. Sadly the project has now been put on hold.

In April we were invited by Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, to attend the Naming Ceremony of their newest 116,000 tonne ship, Azura. The new superliner arrived in Southampton just two days before she was officially named at the Naming Ceremony by the ballet star Darcey Bussell, on Saturday 10th April 2010
At the Naming Ceremony we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet with Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, briefly in the afternoon before the naming.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester presents his drawing of Azura to Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, at the Naming Ceremony of P&O Cruises’ newest ship
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester said "We were delighted that Carol took the time to meet us aboard Azura, before the Naming Ceremony later that evening."

He added "It was so wonderful to finally meet her in person after we had corresponded with her for quite some time."
You can read more about our time at the Naming Ceremony of Azura by visiting the links below.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/azura.html

http://www.cruiselinefans.com/p-o-azura/47262-azura-naming-ceremony-celebration-review.html
Less than two months later we had the opportunity to visit another ship. On Friday 4th June 2010 we were invited to join a group of travel agents aboard Costa Cruises’ newest ship Costa Deliziosa, during her maiden call to Harwich International Port.
Picture
Costa Deliziosa berthed at Harwich International Port during her maiden call at the Port on Friday 4th June 2010
Picture
Diane Cotterill & Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, take the opportunity to have a photograph taken alongside Costa Deliziosa at Harwich International Port
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

We had a lovely day aboard Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the weather was also beautiful which made the day even more enjoyable.

We were kindly presented with a number of gifts from Costa Cruises, including two brass models of both Costa Deliziosa and her sister ship Costa Luminosa, which we visited in 2009. We were also presented with a number of exciting special design brochures, including their new Costa Pacifica.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester said "It was such a lovely bright summer day during our visit to Costa Deliziosa. We were so fortunate to have the chance to visit such a fantastic ship."

You can read more about our visit to Costa Deliziosa and see some great photos by visiting the following links below.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/costa-deliziosa.html


http://www.cruiselinefans.com/costa-deliziosa/47878-costa-deliziosa-travel-agent-visit.html

Later in June 2010, Patricia Dempsey, then quite a new follower of ours kindly agreed to take a drawing of ours aboard the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the 153,000 tonne Norwegian Epic on our behalf and present it to Captain Trygve Vorren.
Picture
Norwegian Epic berthed at City Cruise Terminal, Southampton on Tuesday June 22nd 2010
Patricia would be cruising aboard the new ‘monster’ from Rotterdam to Southampton, arriving in Southampton on Tuesday 22nd June 2010.

Sadly we never got a reply back from either the Captain or Norwegian Cruise Line.
Picture
Black Watch berthed at Harwich International Port

In June 2010 we contacted Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and sent them one of our drawings, of their 46,000 tonne flagship  Balmoral.

We asked if we could visit another of their ships Black Watch, which was due to call at Harwich International Port in August 2010 for the very first time. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines took our request very seriously and kindly arranged for us to visit the ship and meet the Captain to present him with our drawing.

We were invited to join a group of local VIPS from across Suffolk and Essex, including the major of Harwich Town and local authority representatives as well as regional tourism bodies, such as East of England Tourism and Visit Essex.

While we were aboard we were treated to Traditional Afternoon Tea in the Observatory Lounge on the Marquee Deck above the Navigation Bridge. We then had the opportunity to meet the Captain of Black Watch, Captain Torbjørn Lund, were we had the chance to present our drawing of the ship to him. It was a truly wonderful experience and a great day for everyone.

Picture
Captain of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch, Torbjørn Lund, admires Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester's drawing of the ship with Linda Houseley, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Cruise Sales Manager, on the ship’s inaugural visit to Harwich International Port on 24th August 2010
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester said: "Black Watch was a wonderful vessel for us to be able to visit. She had a very intimate and friendly atmosphere which has been lost aboard some of the ‘monster‘ sized ships. It was an honour to be part of the visit and a great experience to have the opportunity to meet the Captain and present him with my drawing in person"
You can read more about our visit to Black Watch by visiting the following links.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/black-watch.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/08/fred-olsen-cruise-lines-black-watch-visit-harwich-international-port-augusut-24th-2010.html

http://www.cruiselinefans.com/black-watch/49692-black-watch-visit-harwich-international-port-august-24th-2010-a.html
Picture
Celebrity Solstice at Sea

In September 2010 one of our drawings of the Celebrity Cruises’ breathtaking Celebrity Solstice was sent to The United States of America to be taken aboard the spectacular cruise ship by Charlene Gault on our behalf. Charlene spent a number of weeks aboard the Celebrity Solstice back to back, celebrating her 50th Wedding Anniversary.

During her time aboard the Celebrity Solstice, on Wednesday September 22nd 2010 Charlene had the opportunity to meet with Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis and present our drawing to him during the Captain’s Club Party in the Sky Lounge.

Picture
Charlene Gault presents our drawing of Celebrity Solstice to Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester during her cruise aboard the ship in September 2010
Charlene said " Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis was very interested in your story and I’m sure will be awed by the drawing when he opens it."

At present we are still awaiting a reply from Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis or Celebrity Cruises.

You can read more about this by visiting the following links.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/celebrity-solstice.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/10/captain-of-celebrity-solstice-gets-drawing.html
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director

On Monday 25th October 2010, we were invited to tour the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Elizabeth. The new 92,000 tonne Cunarder was officially named by Her Majesty The Queen just two weeks previously to us visiting.

Whilst we were aboard we were escorted to the bridge and then had the opportunity to meet the Master of Queen Elizabeth, Captain Christopher Wells, to present him with our drawing of the Queen Elizabeth.

Captain Wells was very impressed and pleased with Harry’s drawing and told him he will be framing the drawing and putting it on display in the Teens Centre for the younger passengers to enjoy!


Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It was so wonderful to have the chance to meet the Captain of Cunard's new Queen Elizabeth and its an experiance I will always remember!"

Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, presents his drawing of Queen Elizabeth to Captain Chris Wells on the bridge of the new Cunarder on Monday 25th October 2010 in Southampton
After meeting the Captain and presenting our drawing to him, a complete tour of the ship's passenger areas then followed, making stops at the Grand Lobby, Royal Court Theatre, Britannia Restaurant and various other passenger amenities.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "Queen Elizabeth is a remarkable vessel. She combines the elegance and luxury of the golden age of ocean liner travel with the modern technologies of today."
He added, "It was a great honour to visit the new liner so quickly after she first arrived in Southampton. I was quite overwhelmed with her grandeur and elegance. She is a truly fantastic piece of engineering and design"
After departing the Queen Elizabeth while we were in Ocean Terminal we met with Alastair Greener the Entertainment Director, who hosts the We Are Cunard blog. Alastair was delighted to meet us and paused for a while to speak with us and take the opportuniy to have a photo taken together with another of Harry’s drawings. He even posted a small article on the We Are Cunard blog.

http://wearecunard.com/2010/10/cunard%e2%80%99s-culinary-ambassador-on-gourmet-live/
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director with Alastair Greener, Entertainment Director, Cunard and We Are Cunard Blog Host
Earlier that morning before boarding Queen Elizabeth we also visited Carnival UK's Head Office to present a drawing to David Dingle Chief Executive Officer Carnival UK. Sadly Mr Dingle was away and was not able to meet us.
 
However we had the to chance meet with Mr Stephen Payne ( OBE RDI MNM FREng HonPhD(Science) BScEng(Hons) FRINA Ceng, Chief Naval Architect, Designer of Queen Mary 2)
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director with Stephen Payne ( OBE RDI MNM FREng HonPhD(Science) BScEng(Hons) FRINA Ceng Vice President Chief Naval Architect Queen Mary 2
You can read more about our visit to Queen Elizabeth on the following links.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/10/harry-visits-cunards-new-queen.html


http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/queen-elizabeth.html

http://wearecunard.com/2010/10/cunard%e2%80%99s-culinary-ambassador-on-gourmet-live/
On Wednesday 27th October 2010 the newest addition to the Thomson Cruises fleet visited Harwich International Port for the first time. While the Thomson Dream was berthed alongside she disembarked all her passengers before sailing for refurbishment work to take place.

Harwich Intentional Port kindly agreed to take our drawing aboard while the ship was along side and present it to the Captain on our behalf.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director Dream Designs Colchester & Diane Cotterill, take the opportunity to photograph Harry's drawing before the drawing is taken aboard Thomson Dream by Harwich International Port
We later received a photo from Harwich International Port which is directly below.
Picture
Captain of Thomson Dream admires entrepreneur and aspring naval architect, Harry Cotterill’s drawing of Thomson Dream during their visit to Harwich International Port on Wednesday 27th October 2010.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "We were very happy that Harwich International Port so kindly took our drawing aboard and it was great to see the photograph they took of our drawing with the Captain during the ship's visit to Harwich."
You can read more about this on the following links

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/thomson-dream-calls-at-harwich.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/dream-photo.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/10/dream-drawing-delivery.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/thomson-dream.html
Picture
Commodore Giuseppe Romano

On Sunday 24th October 2010 our drawing was taken aboard the Ruby Princess on our behalf, by Sue Miller, for the USA who has been following our progress for over a year now. Sue was kind enough to take a drawing aboard with her and present it to the Commodore. Sue Miller was also joined aboard the Ruby Princess by another of our most loyal followers, Sheila Herrington.

During the 7 night Caribbean cruise Sue and Sheila were both lucky enough to have the opportunity to join a group of other passengers on the bridge of Ruby Princess where they were able to present our drawing to the Commodore of the Princess Cruises fleet, Commodore Giuseppe Romano




Picture
Sue Miller presents our drawing of Ruby Princess to Commodore Giuseppe Romano on the bridge during her cruise aboard the vessel in October 2010
We later received a lovely e-mail from Commodore Giuseppe Romano.

In the e-mail Commodore Giuseppe Romano said " Congratulations with the drawing of the Ruby Princess. Beautiful and very professionally done. We are all very impressed here on board the Ruby Princess."

He added, " I want to let you know that we are framing your drawing and posting it in a suitable location for all to see. We will be attaching your story as well."
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It was so brilliant to hear that Commodore Giuseppe Romano and his crew were impressed with our drawing of Ruby Princess, which Sue Miller so kindly took aboard on our behalf back in October 2010."

You can read more about this on the following links.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/princess-fleet-commodore-receives-drawing.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/thank-you-from-princess-cruises-commodore.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/ruby-princess.html
Picture

In November a dream came true for Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, when he was lucky enough to voyage aboard Cunard’s magnificent Queen Mary 2. He was joined on board with his father during the 2 night voyage from Southampton to Cherbourg and back across the channel to Southampton.

Before leaving Southampton Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Elizabeth which we visited in October 2010 passed by Queen Mary 2 and they each saluted one another with the sound of the ships horns.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said " Viewing the Queen Elizabeth
aboard her fleet mate Queen Mary 2 was a unique opportunity, with the added excitement of both of the ship’s horns blasting as Queen Elizabeth passed. "

He added "Although our departure from the berth in Southampton was delayed this did not effect our arrival in Cherbourg the following morning, due to the short distance between both ports. "

Whilst the Queen Mary 2 was berthed in Cherbourg Harry received a phone call from the Commodore’s secretary. She asked about our drawing which Harry had spoken about to a member of the ship’s crew the pervious day at the Purser Office. Before receiving the phone call that afternoon we had just been to the Purser Office were we had left our drawing of Queen Mary 2 for Commodore Bernard Warner. The Commodore’s secretary agreed to meet Harry at the Purser Office to collect our drawing and meet him. However a few moments later Harry received another phone call inviting him to the bridge later that evening.

A number of other passengers were also invited to the bridge. Whilst we were on the bridge the Deputy Captain introduced himself to us, he had seen another of our drawing before aboard another Cunard ship and must had recognised us. Before departing the berth the Commodore’s secretary introduced everyone.

Commodore Bernard Warner took the time to speak to Harry and was very impressed with his drawing of Queen Mary 2. A number of the other passengers on the bridge were also interested in his drawing.

Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester presents his drawing of Queen Mary 2 to Commodore Bernard Warner on the bridge of the grand Cunarder during his 2 night voyage aboard in November 2010
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester said "It was a great opportunity to visit the bridge of the Queen Mary 2  and meet Commodore Bernard Warner. I was so pleased that he was delighted with my drawing which I presented to him."
He added, "It was an absolutely amazing experience to have the chance to voyage on Queen Mary 2. I am sure this will be the first of many more to come in the future!"
You can read more about this on the following links.

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/a-dream-come-true.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/queen-mary-2.html
Picture
Nancy Speltz & Captain Roger Bilton

During November 2010 another of our drawings was taken aboard the Princess Cruises’ vessel, Grand Princess. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director Dream Designs Colchester asked Nancy Speltz, a follower of his, who lives in California if she would be kind enough to present a drawing to the Captain of the Grand Princess

Nancy so kindly agreed to do so. She has been following our progress for quite some time now. Before presenting the drawing to Captain Roger Bilton, Nancy said " She looks marvelous and I will be so proud to hand her over to the captain. Thank you Harry"

Picture
Nancy Speltz presents our drawing of Grand Princess to Captain Roger Bilton on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester during her cruise aboard the ship in November 2010
Captain Roger Bilton said " I have to say that Grand Princess is depicted beautifully and certainly I can appreciate the time and effort that went into doing it. I also have to say that it is incredibly detailed. I, my Navigation officers and the Chief Engineer spent some time studying it and as yet we have still to find anything missing or added."

He added, " In truth we have yet to put it on display. We feel that it warrants somewhere special, but because of it’s size we are limited as to display availability and a decision has still to be reached. I do assure you though that we will find a suitable hanging for it."

Captain Roger Bilton also informed us that he had recently contacted Princess Cruises's Corporate Offices in Santa Clarita and that they have asked for the drawing to be sent there, as they are very interested and might possibly even display it on the Princess Cruises website.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director Dream Designs Colchester said " It was such a lovely surprise to receive the e-mail from Captain Roger Bilton. I was so pleased to hear that he was so impressed by the drawing which Nancy kindly took aboard on behalf of us."

Harry added "I must also add that we were delighted when Nancy agreed to take the drawing aboard on our behalf. She has delivered with great success and we are very grateful for her help! Thank you, Nancy!"

You can read more about this on the following links

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/2/post/2010/11/another-grand-achievement.html

http://dreamdesignscolchester.weebly.com/grand-princess.html
Picture

Most recently another of our drawings was taken aboard the P&O Cruises' Aurora. Mr Ernest & Mrs Edna Taylor from Colchester in the United Kingdom, are currently onboard and are to deliver a drawing to Captain David Pembridge during their 23 night Christmas Caribbean Cruise.

Mr & Mrs Taylor are due home next weekend and we shall inform you upon their return and if we hear from the Captain.

Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director hands the drawing of Aurora to Edna Taylor, to later present to Captain David Pembridge during her Caribbean Christmas Cruise.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said "It is so fantastic to have another drawing going aboard yet another cruise vessel. I am very thankful for Mr & Mrs Taylor for agreeing to take the drawing aboard on our behalf"

He added "We shall keep you updated on the progress of the drawing. Be sure to check back this month for the possibility of more updates."
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, concluded "2010 was a truly remarkable year, with many fantastic events and some really wonderful memories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continuous support and wish you a very happy and successful 2011. THANK YOU!"

For more information please Contact Us on the following details

Harry Cotterill - President & Managing Director

[email protected]

07778940245
0 Comments
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Harry Cotterill

    Harry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships!


    Blog Archive

    May 2024
    April 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    July 2023
    February 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010

home

about

SHOP

ARTWORK

CONTACT

Quick Links

Tips & Advice
Destinations
Cruise Lines

Blogs

Cruise Blog
Cruise News
​Harry's Blog
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Cookie Policy
 ​​Copyright © 2010 - 2024 Cruise Cotterill
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Cruise News
  • Blog
  • Shop